The message is much the same as that from predecessors, but Forrest McConnell III stands out in delivering an inaugural speech as incoming National Automobile Dealers Association chairman. His delivery is forceful and animated. The Alabama dealer resembles a professional motivational speaker while addressing the annual NADA convention's closing general assembly [in New Orleans]. In a convention first, a generous use of videos on three jumbo screens helps punctuate the incoming chairman's
speech this year. Interspersed throughout McConnell's address are videos that include a skydiver, race-car driver, rock concert, runners and comments from megadealer Roger Penske. “Using multimedia like that to engage the audience really was something,” a NADA spokesman says. Although that's innovative, McConnell's speech hit the usual NADA themes centering on how the trade organization labors on behalf of its membership, fights unreasonable government regulators and tries to foster
respect and understanding from automakers. “There is a kick-ass team working for you in Washington,” McConnell tells a packed auditorium.Source: WardAuto

Hillary Rodham Clinton heaped on praise for the U.S. auto industry's role as a job creator and driving force in the nation's economic recovery on Monday (Jan. 27) during a speech at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo in New Orleans. That said, the former first lady, senator and secretary of state joked with the hundreds gathered at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center that it has been quite some time since she's taken the wheel herself. Clinton's talk marked the
end of the NADA Convention, which drew more than 20,000 auto dealers and other industry representatives to New Orleans beginning Friday. She echoed opening remarks from NADA leadership, emphasizing the role small businesses in the auto industry play in rebuilding the nation's economy on both the domestic and global fronts.Source: The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Ford Motor Co.’s profit rose about 26 percent in 2013 to $7.2 billion with its strongest performance in North America since at least 2000, plus improving operations in Asia. Ford on Tuesday reported a pre-tax profit of $8.6 billion, or $1.62 per share, compared to $8 billion, or $1.41, a year earlier. Revenue rose nearly 10 percent to $146.9 billion as the automaker posted earnings per share of 31 cents, beating the 28-cent average forecast by Wall Street analysts. “The company
had an outstanding year, earning a profit that was higher than last year’s strong performance and one of our best years ever,” Ford CFO Bob Shanks said in a statement. “Our results were driven by record profits in North America and Asia Pacific Africa, improved results in Europe and another solid year from Ford Credit.”Source: The Detroit News

Hyundai's U.S. dealers are hungry for additional incentive support to clear out leftover 2013 inventory as the brand seeks to recover U.S. market share. Despite being generally positive, with applause often punctuating Hyundai's nearly two-hour make meeting here at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention, dealers voiced concerns about excess 2013 model year inventories, and some asked the factory for extra incentives to clear out outdated models. Hyundai carried over more 2013
models into 2014 than usual due to production of freshened vehicles such as the Sonata and Elantra that started late in the year, Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said after the make meeting. He acknowledged that some dealers want additional incentives, but cautioned that extra spiffs may not be warranted. Some regions have excessive 2013 model year inventories, while others don't, thus Hyundai has to be careful with its incentive spending, Zuchowski said.Source: Automotive News

Toyota Division asked dealers to make a renewed push for customer retention as more lease returns come back this year. At the make meeting, Toyota told dealers that it wants sales of Toyota and Scion vehicles to increase to 2 million units this year, up from 1.96 million last year. Toyota also encouraged dealers to repeat as the top-selling retail brand in America. Part of the growth will come from a fall introduction of a "mega change" for the 2015 Camry -- with dramatic sheet
metal updates normally reserved for a full redesign, said dealer council chairman Jay Caldwell, president of single-point Caldwell Toyota in Conway, Ark. Toyota estimates about 125,000 Toyota Financial Services lessees are ending their terms this year. New sales and service retention tools are being rolled out, especially in connection with the ToyotaCare free-maintenance program, said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota's North America Region.Source: Automotive News

Mitsubishi laid out plans to reinvigorate its hobbled product line with exterior enhancements, additional powertrain options and a possible new mid-sized sedan. Don Swearingen, Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president, told dealers at its make meeting on Monday that Mitsubishi Motors is negotiating with France's Renault SA to source a new Renault-based mid-sized sedan to be sold under the Mitsubishi brand in the United States. The sedan plan was initially disclosed in
November, as part of the expanded alliance between Renault and Mitsubishi.Source: Automotive News

Facebook and Twitter users who change their profile pictures to purple on the social media sites can help raise money for the American Cancer Society, General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet brand said Monday. Chevrolet said it will donate $1 for each Facebook and Twitter user who changes his or her profile to purple, the color of cancer survival. GM's largest brand said it would donate up to $1 million through the effort, which coincides with World Cancer Day on Feb. 4. Funds raised will help the
society's Road to Recovery program that provides cancer patients transportation to and from treatment. “The Purple Roads initiative will drive awareness and support for the Road to Recovery program, which means more survivors,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet marketing, in a statement. “We hope at least 1 million people will help celebrate survivors and the people who support them by joining Chevrolet in the Purple Your Profile movement for World Cancer
Day.”Source: The Detroit News

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